Restructured deal to pay Dominic Raiola veteran minimum

The Detroit Lions slashed a significant portion of salary over the last month by releasing players and restructuring the contracts of some of their veteran players.

Center Dominic Raiola was among the veterans to agree to a pay cut to stay with the Lions.

According to the team’s official website, Raiola’s restructured deal will pay him only the veteran minimum next season. Raiola was scheduled to make $4.05 million with a $250,000 roster bonus next season. Since Raiola has played 11 seasons in the league, he will make $950,000 in base salary next season.

Raiola has spent his entire career with the Lions organization. He has started all but four games for the Lions since assuming the starting job in 2002.

Dom is a top 10 Center in the NFL….meaning, probably closer to 10, but definitely good. A lot of teams would love to have him. Glad he’ll be with Detroit for another year (at least), and kudos to him for taking one for the team. Thanks Dom!

thingamajig says:Feb 27, 2013 9:36 AM

In a few days we’ll learn this contract is similar, but not in amounts, as a recent Patriot contract.

I don’t care if good ol’ Dom gets 1 dollar a year. He’s horrible. People always talk about getting a new RB to spruce up the run game. It’s not the RB. It’s Dom and Backus. They can’t move anyone. Why can’t the Lions see this? It’s frustrating as hell!